I feel a bit of a fraud

....as I don't have children (a sad sort of choice, sort of not a choice) but I am a de facto stepmother to a 22 year old young woman. This relationship is very difficult and making the three of us very unhappy. I really want to talk to people about it but my partner is ten years older than I am, so I don't have friends with steps the same age. I am hoping it's OK to be on Mumsnet even though I don't have a real child. What do you think?

I think you have a great taste in literature, so you'll be more than welcome! There is a step-parenting board if that helps. Relationships might be helpful too.Lots of people on here don't have children, some of whom are v unhappy about that. There are lots of opportunities for all sorts of conversations on here- here's hoping some are informative, some useful, and some fun

Don't worry OP. There are loads of women without children on here, some through choice, circumstances and some don't even like children! I'll let you into a little secret. There are even MEN on here

Just on piece of advice do not post on AIBU about your stepdaughter. You'll get torn apart, even if she's 49 and the nastiest fucker on earth. Some people automaticly blame the step mother and you'll get the usual "you knew he had a child, when you met him, bla bla bla"

Better to post on the step parents thread or even in chat if step parents is too quiet.

thank you so much, everyone - I was so touched that I actually had a little tear in my eye. Going to try to write this out now, on the step-parent page, and be concise enough so that I don't bore everyone to death...